ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Rs.20,339 Crore Approved for Interest Subvention in 2017-18: Economic Survey
Rs.20,339 crore has been approved by the Government in 2017-18 to meet various obligations arising from interest subvention being provided to the farmers on short term crop loans, as also loans on post-harvest storages meets an important input requirement of the farmers in the country, specially small and marginal farmers who are the major borrowers. This was stated in the Economic Survey 2017-18 tabled by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley in the Parliament today.The Survey further adds that this institutional credit will help in delinking the farmers from non-institutional sources of credit, where they are compelled to borrow at usurious rates of interest. Since the crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana  is linked to availing of crop loans, the farmers would stand to benefit from both farmer oriented initiatives of the Government, by accessing the crop loans.
The Survey says that the Government has been undertaking market reforms with a view to ensuring that the farmers benefit from remunerative prices for their produce in the market. The electronic National Agriculture Market  that was launched by Government on April, 2016 aims at integrating the dispersed APMCs through an electronic platform and enable price discovery in a competitive manner, to the advantage of the farmers. While the farmers are advised to undertaken on-line trade, it is also important that they avail themselves of post-harvest loans by storing their produce in the accredited warehouses. The loans are available to Kisan Credit Card  holding small and marginal farmers at interest subvention of 2% on such storages for a period of upto 6 months. This will help the farmers to sell when they find the market is buoyant, and avoid distress sale. It is, therefore, needful for the small and marginal farmers to keep their KCCs alive, the Survey adds.
Economic Surveys says, that the Government is keen to double the income of the farmers by 2022, for which it has launched several new initiatives that encompass activities from seed to marketing. The credit from institutional sources will complement all such government initiatives like Soil Health Card, Input Management, Per Drop More Crop in Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana , PMFBY, e-Nam, etc.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
NFAI and FFSI Conducts Online Film Appreciation Course in Marathi
Course to be held online from November 1 to November 7
Mumbai, 02 November 2020
National Film Archive of India, Pune, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising 15th edition of Film Appreciation Course in Marathi along with Federation of Film Society of India . The course is to be held online for the first time from November 1 to November 7, owing to the current situation of COVID Pandemic. Renowned film and theatre artist Dr Mohan Agashe inaugurated the Online Film Appreciation Course in Marathi “Chitrapat Rasaswad Shibir” at NFAI.
“Cinema is an effective medium for communication between time and space. It is important to be literate in this language as audio-visual language does not change even though the technology is evolving,” Dr. Mohan Agashe said during the inauguration.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mohan Agashe said that, “Man understands visual language before he understands the language of words. A child learns to mimic through visual perception. In school life, there is more emphasis on reading and writing whereas audio-visual understanding lags behind. Sometimes it takes lot of pages to describe an event, whereas the same thing can be shown in 20 seconds through a film and it can effectively reach many. Although technology has changed rapidly over the last 20 years, the language of film has not changed, so we need to be literate in this medium.”
Director NFAI, Prakash Magdum, said, "Film literacy is important to create an intelligent audience. The audience needs to appreciate what the director is trying to convey on screen. The National Film Archive of India has been working on increasing film literacy for many years and this workshop is a part of it. "
This unique film course in Marathi focuses on the importance of knowledge of film language and grammar. It includes expert lectures on cinema in-depth, history, theories and discussion on cinema. The course features lectures by prolific film personalities like Samar Nakhate, Deepak Deodhar, Suhas Kirloskar, Abhijit Deshpande, Anupam Barve, Umesh Kulkarni, Shyamla Vanarse, Ganesh Matkari, Ujwal Nigudkar, Abhijit Randive, Rahul Ranade, Sudhir Nandgaonkar and Prakash Magdum.
The online course has received a good response with 80 participants from various parts of Maharashtra as well as from the US and Singapore, belonging to different fields such as students, professors and engineers.
Coordinators of Film Appreciation Course Mr Satish Jakatdar and Mr Suhas Kirloskar, were also present during the opening function.
DL/PR
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Sunny’s character is very simple and that makes it extremely difficult to portray him: Ranjith Sankar, Director of IFFI 52 Indian Panorama Feature Film “Sunny”
OTT platforms are not very different from multiplexes, parallel cinema will continue to suffer: Ranjith Sankar at IFFI 52
Panaji, 26 November 2021
Having lost everything he earned, Sunny smuggles himself back from Dubai to Kerala in the midst of a pandemic and shuts himself off from society, with the sole plan to end his life in the next seven days. Cine lovers at the 52nd International Film Festival of India got to join the distraught man’s seven-day journey and share his pain and explore what fate awaits him. Thanks to Sunny, a Malayalam film which has been screened in the Indian Panorama Feature Film Section of the festival.
Explaining the genesis of the film, Director Ranjith Sankar told IFFI delegates: “We got this idea when the three-week nationwide lockdown was declared in the country last year. When we took the final decision to make the film, we immediately started shooting for it, as we start losing conviction in such type of stories really fast.” Sankar was addressing a press conference yesterday, November 25, 2021, on the sidelines of the festival, along with the film’s music director Sanker Sharma.
The simplicity of the character made portraying him very difficult, reveals the director. “It is a single-character film. The character is very simple and that makes it extremely difficult to portray him. Such films are tricky, Jayasurya  told me how he used to imagine other actors in front of him, in order to enable him to act, since most of the film takes place through telephone conversations.” Single-character films are normally thriller movies, but Sunny is not, he added.
The film has been a roaring success on OTT platforms, informed the Director. “The film is a pan-India success on OTT platforms. Prior to releasing it, I underestimated the taste of youth who have a huge interest in such kinds of stories.”
However, Sankar expressed his lack of confidence in OTT platforms helping the cause of parallel cinema. “OTT platforms are not significantly different than multiplexes, they also look for big names while selecting movies. Hence, the parallel or off-beat cinema would continue to struggle, even with the advent of OTT platforms.”
Music director Sanker Sharma narrated how he tried to bring out the churning in Sunny’s mind through music scores. 90 percent of the film uses music in B Scale, he informed.
Director of the movie Ranjith Sankar known for films like ‘Passenger’, ‘Punyalan Agarbattis’, ‘Varsham’, ‘Pretham’ 1 & 2 and ‘Kamala’.TEAM IFFI PIB | DJM/MC/DR/IFFI-91
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President's Secretariat
Education is the Catalyst for Change and the Youth is the Most Potent Agent of Social Transformation: President Kovind
President of India Graces the 41st Annual Convocation of Anna University
Education is the catalyst for change and the youth is the most potent agent of social transformation, said the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind while addressing the 41st annual convocation of the Anna University in Chennai today .
The President was happy to note that the Anna University is one of the largest technological universities in the world, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering, Technology, Architecture and Applied Sciences relevant to the current and projected needs of the society. He said that this university making an impressive contribution in the field of education sector. That is why it figures among the top institutions in QS World and NIRF rankings.
The President said that the Anna University has created a conducive ambience for encouraging technological pursuits that cultivates the right learning attitude for the young students. The scientific temper that is nurtured in the students is well expressed in the projects and achievements of this university. He was glad to note that this is the first Indian university to design, develop and operate a satellite in association with ISRO. He said that ANUSAT, the satellite is not just an achievement but also an inspiration for young minds across the globe to open up and reach for the stars.
Speaking about the National Education Policy 2020, the President said that knowledge is the foundation upon which the character of each individual is built. He reiterated that education is the catalyst for change and the youth is the most potent agent of social transformation. He said that educated youth, given the right direction can bring revolutionary changes in the course of history. That is what the National Education Policy 2020 aims to achieve. The new policy seeks to implement a modern education system based on research, skill and acumen relevant to the evolving needs of the present. At the same time, it would also include within its domain our rich cultural heritage in consonance with a futuristic outlook. The policy focuses on inculcating moral values and promoting understanding of Indian culture. He expressed confidence that the implementation of this policy would usher in an era of modern learning and education. It would create a brigade of researchers and professionals who would take our country to the great heights of development, as befitting our national aspirations.
Please Click here to see the President Speech
Ministry of Defence
Naval Ships and Aircraft Standby for Rescue and Relief Ops as ‘FANI’ expected to Cross Odissa Coast
As the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘FANI’ which is about 430 km South-South East of Vishakhapatnam and about 680 km South-South West of Puri  as on 05:30 AM on 01 May 19, Eastern Naval Command is closely monitoring the movement of the Cyclonic Storm. The Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm is likely to move North West Wards during next 12 hours and thereafter recurve North-North East direction and expected to cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, South of Puri around 03 May afternoon with maximum sustained wind speeds of 175-185 kmph gusting to 205 kmph.
Ships at Visakhapatnam are standing by with relief material for immediate deployment to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief  operation. Diving and medical teams are also kept ready augmenting rescue and relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Odissa. Naval aircraft are kept ready at Naval Air Stations, INS Dega and INS Rajali to undertake aerial survey of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation and air drop of relief material as required by the State Administration.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
“Lingui, The Sacred Bonds” wins ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 52
An internationally co-produced drama film - a bold portrayal of female struggle and a lesson in humanity
Panaji, 28 November, 2021
Lingui, The Sacred Bonds - an internationally co-produced drama film recounting the story of the sacred relationship between a mother and daughter and their survival against the harsh laws set by men – won the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 52.
The film is a bold portrayal of female struggle and a lesson in humanity. The film was co-produced by Belgium France Germany and was made in Arabic and French.
Lingui, The Sacred Bonds by Chad filmmaker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun was selected for the prestigious award for promoting the values and ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence propagated by Mahatma Gandhi. The award was announced today at the closing ceremony of the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival held at Goa in hybrid format from November 20 - 28.
Through this art work filmmaker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun presents an ode to all women who struggles to live in a patriarchal society set according to the whims of men. It also raises awareness of gender issues and fundamental right to education of women.
The film is also selected as the Chadian entry for the Best International Feature Film to the 94th Academy Awards, 2022.
This year, nine films from across the globe were chosen to compete for the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal. The films that competed in this category were 21st Tiffin , Commitment Hassan , Killing the Eunach Khan , Koozhangal , Lingui-The Sacred Bonds , Night Forest , Niraye Thathakalulla Maram , Tokyo Shaking  and When Pomegranates howl .
Every year at IFFI, ICFT, Paris and UNESCO comes together to present the Gandhi medal to one film. The films competing for the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Award are screened at IFFI first and then, the ICFT jury evaluates the films based on the ideals of UNESCO.
The UNESCO issued commemorative medal in 1994, marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Since then the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Award is being given to a film that best reflects Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence.
IFFI, considered to be one of the oldest and prestigious film festivals of Asia, brings together an assorted selection of enthralling films, Masterclasses, In-conversation sessions among many other events. The 52nd edition of IFFI showcased more than 300 films including 148 international films from 73 countries.TEAM IFFI PIB | NT/HD/DR/IFFI-118
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Mega Star Chiranjeevi receives Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022 at the closing ceremony of 53rd edition of IFFI
#IFFIWood, 28 November 2022
Mega Star of Tollywood, Padma Bhushan awardee Shree Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad popularly known as Chiranjeevi has been presented with Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022, at the closing ceremony of 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India  in Goa today.
Besides thanking IFFI, Government of India and Prime Minister for the honour, Chiranjeevi also expressed gratitude to his parents and to the Telugu film industry. ‘I will always be grateful to my parents who gave birth to me as Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad and to the Telugu film industry which has given rebirth to me as Chiranjeevi. I am indebted for my life time to this industry’, he said.
Receiving the prestigious award, Chiranjeevi also extended heartfelt thanks to his fans for accepting him after coming back from politics. ‘The love and affection bestowed on me is so great. I am here in the industry for more than 45 years, out of these I have missed one decade to politics, when I came back to the film industry, I was sceptical how people will receive me. But the amount of love and affection from my fans have never changed, my position in their hearts was intact, I am promising that I will never leave you again, I will be here with you’, said the actor.
Chiranjeevi also extended his gratitude to the Government and the film industry for the support and an experience worth a lifetime after receiving the award. ‘I bow my head and thank each and every one of you. If anybody has the idea of coming to cinema industry, please do come, this is a corruption-less profession, you will have no guilt conscience, if you have talent, you can project it, and you will grow sky-high’, he said.
In an illustrious film career spanning more than four decades, Chiranjeevi starred in more than 150 feature films in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW| Manas/ Panthoibi/ Darshana | IFFI 53 - 161
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Ministry of Finance
Bank Mergers
The objective of amalgamation of the banks is to facilitate consolidation among Public Sector Banks  to create strong and competitive banks capable of achieving economies of scale and realisation of synergy benefits with wider product and service offering for customers.
This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank into Bank of Baroda  was effected on 1.4.2019. As per the input received from BoB, the total number of branches of the amalgamating banks i.e. BoB, erstwhile Dena Bank  and erstwhile Vijaya Bank , as on 31.3.2019, was 9,447 which increased to 9,481 branches as part of the amalgamated entity, as on 29.2.2020, and the rural branches too increased from 2,930 to 2,934 during this period.
Shri Thakur further stated that BoB has apprised that the rural footprint of the amalgamated bank has also increased since amalgamation and with the increased reach and enhanced business engagement with the rural people and farmers, visible gains are incurred including, inter alia, priority sector lending has increased by Rs. 4,253 crore to Rs. 2,23,128 crore, as on 31.12.2019, the cumulative balance of Kisan Credit Cards, increased by Rs 1,796 crore to Rs 38,325 crore, as on 7.3.2020, and in 11 months since amalgamation agriculture loan disbursements have increased by Rs. 46,690 crore and access to credit through overdraft amount advanced to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts has increased by Rs 11.38 crores.
Ministry of Steel
Domestic Steel Production
Details of production of crude steel and import of finished steel in the country during the last three years  are given below: -
|
|
Year
|
|
Crude Steel Production
|
|
Import of Finished Steel
|
|
2019-20
|
|
109.14
|
|
6.77
|
|
2020-21
|
|
103.54
|
|
4.75
|
|
2021-22
|
|
120.29
|
|
4.67
|
|
Source: Joint Plant Committee; MT=million tonnes;
Steel is a deregulated sector and the role of the Government is that of a facilitator. Decisions such as production, import and export are market driven, and
are taken by the steel companies based on techno-commercial considerations.
Government has taken many initiatives to increase domestic steel production in the country, which include the following:-
- Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products  policy for promoting procurement of Made in India steel. Total value of steel procurement done since implementation of DMI&SP policy is Rs 34,808 Crore.
- Establishment of a Project Development Cell  which identifies projects to facilitate new investments, evaluating the pipeline of projects and taking necessary steps to fast-track their implementation.
- Notification of Production-Linked Incentive  Scheme for Specialty Steel with an outlay of Rs. 6,322 Crore to promote the manufacturing of Specialty Steel within the country.
- Participation in events like World Expo held in Dubai, interaction of Ministerial delegation with domestic steel users in Japan, Korea, Russia to highlight the expertise of the steel sector in India and showcase an array of investment opportunities as well as business potential in India’s Steel sector.
- Make in India initiative and the PM Gati-shakti National Master Plan with further engagement with potential users, including from Railways, Defence, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Agriculture and Rural Development sectors to enhance the steel usage, overall demand for steel and investment in steel sector in the country.
- Adjustments in Basic Custom Duty on steel products and raw materials along with calibration of trade remedial measures like Anti-dumping duty , Countervailing duty  on certain steel products to enhance competitiveness of India’s steel sector.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Digitised Agricultural Ecosystem
The Department has constituted a High Level Task Force, which is in theprocess of finalizing “India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture ” report. Task Forceinvited comments from subject experts, farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations  and general public and considered them. Based on this, the Department is inthe process of finalizing a framework for creating Agristack in the country, which willserve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions leveraging digitaltechnologies to contribute effectively towards increasing the income of farmers andimprove efficiency of the Agriculture sector in the country. Once finalized, this canserve as a foundation to build innovative agri-focused solutions leveragingtechnologies to contribute effectively towards increasing the income of farmers andimprove farm efficiency/efficiency of the Agriculture sector in the country.
In this regard, leading Technology/Agri-tech/Start-Ups companies were identified and invited to collaborate with the Government of India and develop Proof of Concepts  based on data of select Districts/ Villages. A public call through the Department’s website was issued inviting proposals for Memorandum of Understanding . Companies were invited to sign MoU on purely pro bono basis and develop the PoCs. These PoCs will help in understanding the uses of Agristack and service & solutions that can be built using available data and some of them, if found beneficial to the farmers will be scaled up at National level. In this regard, the Government has signed MoUs with leading Technology/Agri-tech Players & Start-ups for working on Proof of Concepts  in the select Districts/Villages.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.